Norman Blake

A musical prodigy proficient on numerous stringed instruments, Blake played professionally by the age of sixteen. In the 1960s, he played with both June Carter Cash and husband Johnny, which led to a stint with Kris Kristofferson and ultimately a prominent role on Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline album. Blake launched a solo career that made him a star on the Bluegrass and folk circuit, though he maintained a high profile as a session player. Although he is most often identified as a Bluegrass player, his style over the years has evolved into something much harder to label. His sound ties Old-Time String Band music, Bluegrass fiddle tunes, Country Blues, Early Jazz and even Tin Pan Alley pop together with a combination of technical virtuosity and lyrical melodic invention.